|
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Topic: Employee Management
Reference: Thomas, L. Todd. “Motivating in Non-Motivating Times.” Executivematters (The Member Newsletter of the American Management Association), June 2009.
These are trying times and it is difficult to keep employees focused on the task at hand. Bad news is everywhere and it tends to zap the innovative spirit and work effort of employees everywhere. A critical question is how to motivate employees during these times when budgets are being slashed, bonus money has been reduced and large incentive awards are no longer applicable. During these times it is critical to build trust and rapport, stress team goals and show value added from execution and production. The promise of future consideration also can be used to motivate current performance. At a minimum, people have to have something to look forward to. Aspiration goals are critical. In the referenced article the commentator also points to a number of things that you can do today to keep people engaged and performing even in non-motivating times. Some of these include engaging employees in decision-making and problem solving; holding more informal meetings; use job rotation and role exchange as motivation to keep people fresh; avoid low value projects; and get more out of coaching and employee development. “Continued training and development of employees is an important part of any ongoing motivation effort. Development not only increases the skill level of employees but delivers the message that they are valued and respected members of the organization.” I also believe that having some fun can add with motivation as well. A professional outing, day at the ballpark, or other corporate event does wonders for the psyche. There are a number of other ways as well. Let me know your thoughts on what you do to keep your employees motivated.
|
